As writers, we’re always on the lookout for our next story idea. We become master observers of people and situations. We’ll jot down notes and start storylines that may or may not go anywhere.

Sometimes we have a spark, but it just doesn’t seem to take. Or maybe it doesn’t go in a direction that’s exciting. We’re bummed and tempted to shelve the idea.

Maybe what we need is to explore that idea from a new angle. Flip it around and turn it into something different. That might be just thing to ignite interest again.

What are some ways we can shift the pieces of the puzzle around?

Reverse the roles. Take the main characters are reverse their position in the storyline.

Change the time period. Shift the story forward or backward.

Change the setting. Urban instead of rural, small city instead of big, desert instead of mountains, etc.

Try a different country. Would it be more exciting set in a different culture?

How about a different or additional genre? A mystery in space? A historical paranormal?

Go for the worst case scenario. Part of the story isn’t very exciting? Ramp it up – what is the worst thing that could happen?

Brainstorm with other writers. Sometimes sharing the idea with those we trust will lead to a revelation.

Brainstorm on our own. Throw everything out there, including the kitchen sink. No rules, no restrictions–just go nuts!

Any of those changes can make all the difference in the world. My latest book, Dragon of the Stars, came from a song and a little ‘What If?’ Ayreon’s Dragon on the Sea was about Queen Elizabeth I sending Sir Francis Drake to fight the Spanish Armada. The dragon in the song refers to Drake, but I wondered–what if the dragon was the ship? What if it was a spaceship instead? What if the Queen sent a Nobleman to find that ship? From that point, the story unfolded quickly, with the ending coming from a rather twisted ‘What if?’.

Who else has had a story unfold with a little help from ‘What if?’ What have you been doing this March and April? Have you been to the blog by Alex J. Cavanaugh? Have you bought Dragon of the Stars yet?

What a great post, Alex and Damy! This is my first visit to your blog, Damy, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Alex, what useful ideas, and a fascinating glimpse into your writing process ~ Thanks for sharing!

What if’s are always in my thoughts because it is neat to think in that manner and if we chose the other way to go what would happen and would there be another me out there completely different? Congrats Alex on your book!!

Bruce, I’m reading the book, and I like Alex’s easy, accessible style. I don’t push anything that I personally don’t consider worth pushing. :). That’s only my opinion tho. I appreciate you being honest about yours.

Yes, thanks for that comment. I hadn’t realised that the author was personally involved in the review, so I shot the cover down with all guns blazing. It still doesn’t appeal to me, but if I had realised that the author was involved in the posting I would have been more discreet. My apologies.

I enjoy contemplating as well as posing what ifs. It an interesting thought exercise though I know some people don’t like it especially if debating an issue that could implicate various what if scenarios. To me it can be a good idea to consider all possibilities of an issue.

Thanks for bringing the party here, Alex. As always, enjoyed hosting you and the gang!

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